Computer - Hardware and Software
Unit - 1 : Computers of a Computer System
Objective
I. Choose the correct option:
1. Which of the following is not a hardware?
a) Mouse. [ ]
b) Random Access Memory. [ ]
c) Keyboard. [ ]
d) Operating System. [✓]
2. Which of the the following device is used to transfer data from source to destination over internet?
a) Thumb drive. [ ]
b) RAM. [ ]
c) ROM. [ ]
d) MODEM. [✓]
3. Which of the following is not an operating system?
a) MAC. [ ]
b) UNIX. [ ]
c) LINUX. [ ]
d) Microsoft. [✓]
4. What is the full form of SMPS?
a) Simple Machine Power Supply. [ ]
b) Simple Motor Power Supply. [ ]
c) Switched-Mode Power Supply. [✓]
d) System Mode Power Supply. [ ]
5. Which of the following is not an application software?
a) MS Word. [ ]
b) Android. [✓]
c) MS Excel. [ ]
d) Notepad. [ ]
II. Fill in the blanks:
1. A computer system coordinates between hardware and software.
2. A computer is an electronic data processing machine.
3. The CPU is considered to be the Brain of a computer system.
4. Hardware and software are complementary to each other.
5. A byte is the smallest unit of memory which represent a character in a computer.
6. A set of computer programs with the help of which the system works is known as system software.
7. ROM does not allow new information to be written on it.
8. Serial port is used to supply data serially.
9. Secondary memory is known as an auxiliary memory of the computer system.
10. Port are the connecting nodes to interface the peripheral devices with the processor.
III. Write down the full forms of the following:
1. ALU : Arithmetic and Logic Unit.
2. ROM : Read Only Memory.
3. BIOS : Basic Input Output System.
4. POST : Power-On Self-Test.
5. DVD : Digital Versatile Disc.
6. SMPS : Switched-mode Power Supply.
7. USB : Universal Serial Bus.
8. CMOS : Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor.
IV. Label the given block diagram to depict the basic organisation of a computer system:
=
V. Name the following:
1. Two application software:
a) MS Word.
b) MS Excel.
2. Two system software:
a) Windows.
b) Linux.
3. Four major parts of a computer system:
a) CPU.
b) Memory.
c) Input.
d) Output.
4. Two types of primary memory:
a) RAM.
b) ROM.
5. Two input hardware:
a) Keyboard.
b) Mouse.
6. Two communication ports:
a) Serial Port.
b) USB Port.
7. Two secondary memory units:
a) Hard Disc.
b) Optical Disc.
8. Three components of CPU:
a) ALU.
b) Primary Memory.
c) Control Unit.
VI. Case-Study Based Questions:
Unsolved
1. The hardware components present inside a computer are called internal hardware. The descriptions of some of the internal components are given below:
Identify and write the names of the devices described below in (a), (b), (c) and (d).
a) This device is one of the most useful, reliable and popular secondary storage devices that consists of a number of circular metallic plates coated with iron oxide.
= Hard Disc;
b) This component is a small box placed at the back of a computer's cabinet that provides regulated power to the computer system.
= Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS);
c) This component is the printed circuit board that contains processor, Integrated Circuit (IC) chips, memory and other hardware components.
= Motherboard;
d) They are the connecting nodes used to connect the peripheral devices with the processor.
= Connecting Port;
Subjective
I. Short Answer Questions:
1. Define system software.
= System software is a set of one or more programs designed to control the operations of a computer system.
2. Define the term Hardware with an example.
= Hardware refers to the physical devices of a computer system. It represents various components and equipments of a computer system. All input and output devices, storage devices, controlling and processing units are hardware.
3. Define software. How is it classified?
= Software refers to the set of computer programs, procedures and associated documents that describe how a computer should work. It is a collection of programs that aims at directing the computer's hardware to perform a task.
The software is broadly classified into two categories. They are: System Software and Application Software.
4. What is meant by the term memory? What are its types?
= Memory is the basic unit of a computer where it can store data and instructions. It can be classified into Primary Memory and Secondary. Primary memories are Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). Secondary memories are Hard Disc, Optical Disc and Pen Drive.
II. Differentiate between the following:
1. Hardware and software.
=
|
Hardware |
Software |
|---|---|
|
1. It refers to the physical devices of a computer system. |
1. It refers to the programs that enable a computer to perform
specific tasks. |
|
2. Hardware starts functioning once a software is loaded. |
2. Software is installed on the hardware to deliver its set of
instructions. |
|
3. Hardware is physical in nature. |
3. Software is logical in nature. |
|
4. There are more chances of failure in hardware devices. |
4. Software does not have a failure rate and hence, is more reliable. |
|
5. Hardware components can be seen and touched. |
5. Software can be viewed at the time of execution/loading. |
2. System Software and Application Software.
=
|
System Software |
Application Software |
|---|---|
|
1. It is designed to control the operations of a computer system. |
1. It is designed to carry out specific tasks such as creating
documents, presentations, etc. |
|
2. These programs do not solve specific problems but provide a
platform to assist the use of a computer system by performing specific tasks. |
2. It allows the computer to perform useful tasks beyond the running
of the system itself. |
|
3. In general, system software supports the running of other software
and communicates with the peripheral devices. |
3. An application software performs only those tasks for which it is
designed to serve the purpose of the users. |
3. Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).
=
|
Random Access Memory (RAM) |
Read Only Memory (ROM) |
|---|---|
|
1. Data or instructions can be randomly read as well as written onto
it. |
1. The stored information can only be read but new information cannot
be written onto it. |
|
2. Any information stored in it is lost when the power supply is
switched off. |
2. The information in ROM remains intact even if the power supply is
switched off. |
4. Primary Memory and Secondary Memory.
=
|
Primary Memory |
Secondary Memory |
|---|---|
|
1. It is the main memory of a computer system. |
1. It is the auxiliary memory from where stored data can be
retrieved. |
|
2. Data and instructions get erased as soon as the computer is
switched off. |
2. Data or instructions are stored for future use even when the
computer has been switched off. |
III. Long Answer Questions:
1. Hardware and software are complementary to each other. Explain.
= Hardware refers to all the visible devices which are assembled together to build a computer system. Software refers to the computer programs that are loaded into a computer system. The blending of software and hardware gives life to a computer system. Though hardware is the physical part of a computer, it is nothing unless it has a software to control it. In a way, hardware is like a car without a driver.
Software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to perform the requested actions. Hence, both are essential to get the work done and they share a special relationship. If hardware is the 'heart' of a computer system, then software is its 'soul'. Thus, hardware and software are complementary to each other.
2. What is a modem? What are its types? Explain.
= A modem is a device that modulates outgoing digital signals from a computer or other digital devices to analog signals. It also demodulates the incoming analog signals and converts them to digital them to digital signals for the digital device.
There are three types of modems:
i) Internal Modem : An internal modem is attached to the internal slot of the motherboard. These modems are categorised as full duplex and half duplex modems which are used for fax and internet communications. They can also be used for data and voice communications.
ii) External Modem : External modem is a small box connected to the communication port of a computer. It works similar to the internal modem. The only difference is that the external modem is placed outside the CUP box.
iii) USB Modem : The term 'USB modem' refers to any type of data/fax/voice modem device which can be connected to a computer using the USB port. The term is commonly used for a specific portable device that looks similar to a USB flash drive but is smaller in size. These small, portable USB modems do not require power.
3. What is meant by the term ports? Explain the different types of ports.
= Ports are the connecting nodes used to connect the peripheral devices with the processor. They act as a bridge between the external devices and the CPU for data communication. The different types of ports available in computers are:
i) Serial Port : Serial Port is used to supply data serially, i. e., bit by bit. It uses a single wire for communication. If an eight-bit-pattern of bits or a byte is to be transferred, then it does it in eight tries. This port takes much time to transfer data, i.e., it takes eight times longer to transfer a byte. Serial ports are usually available with 9 pins or 24 pins and allow connections of mouse, modem, etc.
ii) Parallel Port : This type of port is available with a 24 pins female connector and is capable to transmit eight bit signals at a time, i.e., the bits travel parallel to each other. The transfer rate is eight times faster than a serial port. This port is used to connect CD-writers, scanners, printers, hard disks, etc.
iii) USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port : This port is specially designed to connect printers, plotters, mouse, joystick, pen drives, digital cameras, etc. with a single plug arrangement. It avoids pin configuration of the ports.
4. How the data is recorded on the disk and then retrieved from the hard disk? Explain.
= The data is recorded on the disks through the read-write head, which resembles a record player. The information that comes from CPU is recorded digitally (in the form of 0 and 1) on the disc surface through the read-write head.
The information is also retrieved digitally from the disk through the read-write head to the computer system for further processing. The storage capacity of the hard disk is 1 Terabyte or more.
5. What are the main functions of the CPU? Explain.
= The main functions of the CPU are:
i) It stores data and instructions in memory which can be accessed for processing.
ii) It processes data to give meaningful results.
iii) It controls each and every operation of the computer including the operations of all its peripherals.